Effect of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Leaf Extracts on the Rot Fungus (Fusarium Spp) Isolated from Kola Nuts

The storage lifespan of kola nuts is challenged by the problem of decay of nuts in storage as a result of the attack by the rot fungus (Fusarium spp). The effect of the neem leaf (Azadirachta indica) extracts on the rot fungus was investigated in order to aid extended kola nuts storage. The aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of neem plant in varied concentrations were used as amendments of 20 ml of potato dextrose agar (PDA) at ambient temperature. It was observed that the various concentrations (5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0 and 25.0 g/cm3) of the neem leaf extracts inhibited radial growth of Fusarium spp Significantly with 20.0 and 25.0 g/cm3 having the best mean percentage inhibition of 82%. The ethanolic extracts had a higher inhibition of Fusarium spp. at lower concentrations compared to aqueous extracts but both extracts were significantly better than the control. Keywords: Kola nuts, Neem, Azadirachta indica, leaf extraction, Fusarium spp, rot fungu